Assallaamu alaikum,
The following article was taken from the magazine: Invitaion to Islam, volume 1, issue 4. May Allaah reward the author(s).
Companions of Muhammad(SAW)
From amongst the Companions of Muhammad(SAW), was Abu Bakr(RAA). Known as Sadiq (the truthful), he was the first man to enter Islaam. He was regarded as the best of the Companions, and was thus chosen to be their leader after the death of the Prophet(SAW). The knowledge and piety of this man superseded that of all others. He would always be the first to do goodness and as a result laid down his entire wealth for the pleasure of Allaah. His cool and collective manner as a worshipper of Allaah was made apparent at the death of the Prophet(SAW): “Whosoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, and whosoever worshipped Allaah, then Allaah is alive and shall never die”, were the inspiring words of Abu Bakr. Such words lifted the companions from there sadness, and encouraged them to take Islaam to the furthest depth of Allaah’s earth.
Then there was Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab(RAA) - the one whose conversion brought so much strength and vitality to Islaam. Such was his disposition, that even Shaytaan, the enemy of humanity, feared him, as the Prophet(SAW) said to him: “Never does shaytaan see you on a path, except that he takes another path.” (Reported by Bukhari). He was the best of people after Abu Bakr, and was thus chosen as the leader of the Muslims upon Abu Bakr’s death. Whilst the reign of Abu Bakr had secured Islaam from adversity, the reign of Umar saw an expansion like none before. Persians, Byzantians, Africans, Jews, and Pagans all fell under the glory of Islaam. Land after land fell to the Muslims and justice was administered in every quarter. The one remembered for this justice was Umar ibn Al-Khattaab(RAA).
And what of Uthmaan ibn Affaan(RAA), the one called ‘Dhun-Nurain’ (the possessor of two lights) because of his marriage to Ruqaya and Umm Kulthum, the daughters of Muhammad(SAW)? Mild and gentle, Uthmaan was one who gave freely for the sake of Allaah. Yet there are those who criticise him unjustly. But how can one, whom the Messenger of Allaah was shy in front of be criticised? He SAW said: “Shall I not be shy in front of the one whom even the angels are shy?” (Reported by Muslim)
And then Ali Ibn Abi Taalib(RAA), the cousin and son in law of the Prophet(SAW). Married to Faatima the most beloved of the Prophet’s daughters, he had entered Islaam, unprecedented, as a young boy. Strong and brave, he was amongst those who served the cause of Islaam immensely. During his reign, the Muslims had reached India and were taking Islaam to the heart of the pagan Hindus. Wisdom truly emanated from the lips of Ali, and he was superseded by non except those already mentioned.
From amongst the thousands, these were just four of the noble companions of Muhammad(SAW). The way and the understanding of the companions, is the only true way and understanding. It is the way to achieve a clear guidance and avoid a painful end. And it is about this way that the Prophet(SAW) said: “I have left you upon clear guidance; its night is like its day. No one deviates from it after me, except that he is destroyed.” (Authentic - Reported by Ibn Maja)